Cricket Fielding Positions Explained Step-by-Step (With Diagram & Tips for Beginners)

 How to understand cricket fielding positions — a clear, step‑by‑step guide with diagrams, practical drills, and examples to master every position on the field. (Cricket fielding positions | diagram | field map)

Introduction — what you'll learn and why it matters

'Cricket fielding positions are the tactical map of the game: where eleven defenders stand determines how many runs a batter can score, which shots are encouraged, and which wickets are more likely to fall. In this guide you'll get a clear diagram-driven explanation of every common position, simple step‑by‑step practice to learn them, and real match examples so you can instantly understand why captains choose one layout over another. If you want to understand why a captain places a man at deep square leg or why there are three slips on the first ball — this is your map and playbook.

Why fielding positions matter

Fielding positions are not just names — they're chess moves. Each placement either protects a scoring area (for example, a deep square leg or long on to stop boundaries) or creates chances for wickets (like slips and gully for edges). A well‑set field restricts the batter’s favorite scoring areas and forces errors; a poorly set field gives away easy singles and boundaries. Captains change fields by over, by bowler, and by batter to control tempo and to take wickets without bowling overly defensive lines. For a compact visual guide to names and common setups, respected cricket resources provide a standard map that coaches and players use globally.

The field layout: off side vs leg side (simple map and naming)

Start with an imaginary line that runs down the pitch from the bowler to the wicketkeeper; the batter faces the bowler, and the side of the field in front of the batter’s bat is the "off side," while the side behind the bat (closer to the batter’s legs) is the "leg side" (also called "on side"). Everything on the off side is named by its approximate angle from the batter: point, cover, extra cover, and mid‑off. The leg side includes fine leg, square leg, mid‑wicket, and mid‑on. This left/right split is the foundation of all position names and is used to mirror fields for left‑handed batters. See standard diagrams (like the common field map) to get the visual layout quickly.

 

Standard fielding positions — the close‑in map

Learn the "close" names first; they’re used most in Tests and early bowling spells. The wicketkeeper sits directly behind the stumps; standing immediately beside are slips (first slip, second slip, etc.), gully sits behind square on the off side, silly point is very close on the off side near the batting crease, and short leg / leg slip live on the leg side close in. These men catch edges or mis‑timed swoops. The terms “silly”, “short”, “deep”, “fine”, “square” or “short” combine with the basic direction to create names like “short‑cover” or “deep fine leg.” Use a diagram to visualise these labels quickly — memorizing where “point” and “cover” sit relative to the batter makes everything else fall into place.

 

The infield: power and control (30–50 yards)

The infield contains those positions that patrol the run‑scoring lanes just beyond the close catchers: cover, point, mid‑off, mid‑on, square leg, and mid‑wicket. These positions defend singles and twos, cut off square drives, and stop quick tappy runs. A typical pace bowler’s attacking infield might have a short mid‑off and a short mid‑on to create catching chances on mis‑timed drives, while a spinner’s infield might bring men in to stop sweeps and quick singles. The infield is where tactical tweaks happen mid‑over — moving a single fielder a yard can change the look from "tempting drive" to "cut off the angle".

The outfield & boundary riders

The outfield positions — deep cover, deep midwicket, long on, long off, deep square leg, and third man — guard the boundary and determine whether an attempted four becomes three or two, or whether a lofted shot becomes a six. In limited overs cricket, teams place specialist boundary riders (a “sweeper” or “deep cover boundary” for example) in response to power hitters. Choosing where to place those riders depends on which side the batter prefers and which lines the bowlers are serving. Modern cricket adds hybrid roles—the "sweeper cover" who patrols the deep mid‑off area in ODIs and T20s, for instance.

Wicketkeeper and bowler roles in field placement

The wicketkeeper is central: not only do they take catches and effect stumpings, they guide slip movements, call for short leg, and often advise the captain on angles. The bowler, too, dictates what the field should be: a fast bowler angling around the wicket needs slips and gully; a spinner bowling leg theory wants short leg and leg slip. Always think of the bowler, keeper, and captain as a triad — they negotiate the map in real time. Top coaching manuals emphasize the keeper's constant feedback to tune the cordon or infields.

How bowler type influences the field (practical examples)

When a quick bowler is trying to extract an edge, the captain stacks the off side with slips and gully and often keeps a deep third man to stop the cut if the batter manages to square it. Conversely, when a spinner bowls, especially an off‑spinner to a right‑hander, you often see short‑leg and silly‑mid‑off to take catches off bat‑pad deflections. For seam bowlers bowling away from the batter, you might see the slip cordon open up with two or three slips and a gully. Fearless captains sometimes use "catching rings" for short spells — bringing six men inside 30 yards to suffocate runs and create pressure. These choices follow classical guidance used by coaches and explained in fielding guides.

How batter’s handedness changes positions

Left‑handers mirror the map: what was off‑side becomes leg‑side for the opposite handed batter. That means a standard right‑hander field needs to be flipped or adjusted when a southpaw walks in. Modern captains also use "mirror fields" when two left‑handers are batting to cut off angles consistently. The key rule is: always imagine the batter’s bat-face direction and place fielders relative to the line of expected shots. A single left‑hander can create mismatch opportunities that captains exploit by shifting the infield to the side where singles or boundaries are less likely.

Common field set‑ups: attacking vs defensive (with examples)

An attacking first‑over field for a fast bowler might have three slips, gully, point, and a short mid‑on — the idea is to snare an early edge. A defensive field in the last overs of an ODI will push almost the entire team to the boundary: third man, deep point, deep cover, deep midwicket, long on and long off — protecting fours and sixes. In Tests, captaincy is more nuanced: deep fields when a batter is settled and tight, close fields to pressure a new batter. Each format has typical templates, but captains adapt by batter, bowler, and match situation. For quick reference diagrams and common templates visit major cricket coaching pages.

Step‑by‑Step: Learn the Positions Practically

Step 1 — Start with the axes and the wicket. Visualize the pitch as the centre of a clockface. The bowler stands at 12, the wicketkeeper at 6, off‑side stretches from about 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock and leg‑side from 2 o’clock to 10 o’clock. Walk the circle once while naming the major sections: point, cover, mid‑off, mid‑on, square leg, mid‑wicket. Doing this physical rotation helps create a spatial memory.

Step 2 — Learn the close‑in “catching” positions by feel. Stand in the waiting position at the slips with a partner gently deflecting balls. Feel the angles: slip catches travel quickly off edges — you’re standing slightly behind the imaginary line from bat to wicket to maximize reaction time. Repetition builds reflex.

Step 3 — Memorize position‑name patterns. Many names are combinations: direction (off/leg), distance (short/mid/deep), angle (fine/square), or function (silly/cutting). For example, “deep fine leg” = boundary, leg‑side, fine angle. Practice naming the positions aloud as you walk to them.

Step 4 — Mirror a diagram while you walk the boundary. Use a printed diagram (like the standard field maps shown above) and place cones at the spots. Walk from third man to deep midwicket saying each name. This turns abstract labels into physical markers.

Step 5 — Practice shifting fields for left and right handers. Place two cones as "mirror" points — practice flipping your infield quickly when the batter changes hand. This trains quick repositioning in game scenarios.

Step 6 — Rehearse format‑specific maps. For T20, practice boundary riding drills; for Tests, practice infield catching and very close slip work. Spend at least 15 minutes of any training session on fielding position drills.

Step 7 — Learn to read the bowler. Stand with bowlers and follow their pre‑over plan — if the bowler says "outer edge ball", bring slips in and gully out. Knowing the bowler’s strategy helps you anticipate which positions will matter most.

Step 8 — Use video and match examples. Watch short clips of field placement changes (powerplays, death overs) and pause to name the positions. Combining visual study with physical practice cements memory. The above steps give a practical, walkable path from zero knowledge to confident positioning. (This full step‑by‑step is designed to be used on the ground with cones and a partner; coaches often recommend repeating these steps every week until positions become second nature.)

Drills and practice plans to memorize positions (coachable routines)

Start with short sessions aimed at muscle memory. One drill places eight cones around the circle, each labeled with a name; players run to the cone called out by the coach and assume catching stance. Another critical drill for slip fielders is the “reaction cordon” where a coach deflects soft‑thrown balls and the cordon practices catching and transferring to the keeper. For boundary positions practice back‑pedal and turning runs—players must run back from mid‑range catches to the boundary while calling “mine” to avoid collisions. For keepers and close men, strobe light or reaction ball training improves reflexes dramatically. Coaches also recommend a "mirror" drill where two players swap between mid‑on and mid‑off based on the coach’s signals, simulating in‑over field rotation. These practical drills replicate match timing, pressure, and the need to move quickly and decisively.

Drills for slip/close catching (in detail)

If you're training slip cordon, break the session into three phases: warm‑up catches (standing still, focusing on hands), angled edges (shorter, sharper deflections), and dynamic slips (throwing from behind to simulate real edges). Use a “soft edge” ball first, then move up to harder, slightly faster deliveries. Emphasise gloves together, eyes on the ball, and instant transfer to the keeper or stumps. The better the repetition, the more comfortable close catching becomes.

T20 / ODI / Test — how positions change by format

In T20, boundary protection dominates late overs: expect multiple deep riders, one or two inside the circle to cut opportunistic singles, and a ring‑fence at the death overs with fast fielders on the boundary. In ODIs, fielding restrictions (powerplays) enforce particular infield shapes early, but once the field opens, teams mimic T20 boundary guarding. In Tests, patience is rewarded with close arrays (slips and short leg) and gradual rotation to the outfield as batters settle. Understanding format constraints (like powerplays) is essential to anticipate how the field will be set. Check current rules for powerplay specifics, but the general trends above hold across most coaching guides.

Advanced tactics and field rotation

Seasoned captains rotate fields to confuse batters: moving a single fielder one ball can bait a risky shot, then immediately bring the cordon closer to force an edge. “Slip‑off” tactics remove slips to tempt the batter to drive, while “leg‑trap” fields lure batters into slogging over mid‑on or mid‑wicket. Modern analytics also influence placement: captains use strike‑zone data to place riders where the batter hits most often. Learning to read batsman patterns and adjusting dynamically is the last skill for advanced field strategy.

FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What’s the difference between point and cover?

Point sits square of the wicket on the off side and protects square drives and cuts. Cover is slightly in front of point, guarding drives between point and mid‑off. Think "point is square, cover is forward of square."

Q2: How many slips are normal?

There’s no fixed number; one to four slips are common depending on bowler and conditions. Fast new bowlers often get two to three slips; spinners might see none or a single fine‑edge catcher.

Q3: Why do captains sometimes put a man on the boundary in front of the keeper?

That’s a defensive safety-play in limited overs to stop sixes over the keeper’s head. It concedes short runs but prevents boundaries — a tactic used in formats where preventing big shots is priority.

Q4: What’s a "silly" position?

A "silly" position is extremely close to the batter (e.g., silly point) and is used to take catches from mis‑timed shots. The name reflects the apparent danger; it’s not silly for those with quick reflexes.

Q5: How do I quickly learn positions before a match?

Study a diagram for 10 minutes, then walk the field physically marking positions with cones. Pair each cone with vocal naming; repetition plus physical placement creates strong memory.

Q6: Does a captain have to follow fixed patterns?

No — captains adapt. Templates exist (attacking, defensive, ring fields) but smart captains change placements by bowler, batter, and match situation. Use templates as a starting point.